Bumper stickers spread GDOT safety message to the public

The Georgia Department of Transportation is pleased to announce highway fatality rates in the last year have dropped by 2% in Georgia, thanks in part to an increased effort targeted at providing safer highways and raising motorists' awareness.

Between 2005 and 2006, the number of traffic casualties occurring on the highway fell about two percent, from 1,729 to 1,693. "The Department is committed to finding effective strategies to decrease highway fatalities and provide motorists a safer Georgia," said Georgia DOT Commissioner Harold Linnenkohl. "We are pleased about the decrease in fatalities. Much remains to be done. One fatality is one too many!"

Georgia DOT has developed several safety programs geared to reduce fatality rates in Georgia to 1.0 per million vehicle miles traveled by 2008. Achieving this goal by 2010 would save 511 Georgians. Safety programs identify problems, provide alternative strategies to remedy the problems and measure Georgia's progress.

One of the strategies is the use of new bumper stickers reading, "Slow Down, It Won't Kill You." They now appear on all Georgia DOT work truck units throughout the state reminding motorists to drive carefully through construction work zones. In addition, smart work zone systems with variable message signs are in place at various points of several projects to advise motorists to take specific actions according to the location and amount of congestion on the highway. (To view the bumper sticker see the attached .pdf document.)

Other safety enhancement mea- sures include the installation of light emitting diodes (LED) and application of thermoplastic striping. LEDbased signals are a series of lights rather than one big bulb with a much longer lifetime between replacements. They provide brighter illuminations to motorists in direct sunlight, fog and during inclement weather. Thermoplastic striping is a brighter, environmentally safe, and more durable alternative to painted strips.

"The loss of any life on our roads is unacceptable. We will continue to strive to eliminate all crashes, injuries and fatalities with highway safety lifesaving efforts," said Linnenkohl.

Georgia's safety goal is simple: Every life counts- strive for zero deaths and injuries on the Georgia roads. For general or project information, visit the website at www.dot.state.ga.us.

Troops being formed

Girl Scouts, Central Savannah River Council is beginning a new year in Scouting! Girl Scout troops are currently being formed all over the CSRA. Adult volunteers are needed to lead troops! If you are interested in volunteering for the Girl Scouts, or want to get your girl involved, call the Girl Scout Council at 706-774- 0505. For more information, visit our website at www.girlscoutscsra.org.

HIGH STAKES Stake tall flowers to prevent wind damage, say experts with the University of Georgia Extension Service. Use stakes large enough to support the plant, but not too conspicuous. Soft twine or plastic twist-ties can secure the stems to the stakes.